Couple left shaken after aggravated burglary

A middleaged Westmeath couple were left badly shaken after a three man gang burst into their home near Crookedwood this morning and assaulted them.

The drama unfolded at about 10am when the masked trio, one of whom was armed, struck.

The occupants of the house were assaulted before being tied up.

They were held captive for about an hour before the gang, all of whom spoke with Dublin accents, left the dwelling. According to a garda source, the raiders made off with a sum of cash and jewellery.

The couple managed to free themselves and raised the alarm. The emergency services rushed to the scene and they received medical attention for what were described as non life-threatening injuries.

Investigating gardaí, who have established an incident room at Mullingar Garda Station, have appealed for information from anybody who witnessed any suspicious activity in the Crookedwood or Whitehall areas of the county this morning. They can be contacted at (044) 93 84000.